August 30, 2008

August 6: Regular Session

Report from the Environmental Commission

The EC presented two related items to the Council and the public.

1)      A position statement in support of a steady-state economy for the US. This is a paradigm shift in how we look at economic growth, supported by the Center for the Advancement of the Steady-State Economy (CASSE, www.steadystate.org). The argument is that, by traditional economic measures, growth is actually bad for society, and that the only sustainable economic model is one is which the size of the economy remains about the same, with some fluctuations. The EC has adopted its own statement in support of this argument, specifically for the US economy. This does have local implications as we change the way we think about growth.

2)      A preliminary study of the cost of residential growth in Bloomington, specifically looking at public infrastructure such as roads, schools, police and fire protection, etc.

Discussion of Council Rules and 2009 City Council Office Budget

1)      The Council Rules Committee put forward some suggestions for how we run meetings, which were discussed and eventually adopted by a vote of 8-0 with one abstention. I abstained because I had some unanswered questions about how the meetings would be run according to the new rules. My concern was with the time limits on reports at the beginning of meetings. I want to make sure that city commissions such as the EC have a chance to fully report their findings.

2)      As a result of concern expressed during the 2009 Budget Hearings, I put forward an amendment to the City Council office’s 2009 budget request, to increase the amount for travel. This was approved 7-0 with 2 abstentions (Mayer and Wisler).

Legislation for Second Reading

1)      Resolution 08-09: To repeal the tax abatement for Schulte Corporation. Schulte is a company that makes home storage and organization products, and it received a tax abatement from the city in 2004. However, the company did not invest the amount of money nor create the number of jobs they promised when they applied for the tax abatement. Schulte voluntarily agreed that the abatement would be rescinded, and the Council moved forward to repeal the abatement.

2)      Resolution 08-10: Opposing military action against and supporting diplomacy with Iran. Many people came to speak in favor of this resolution. The main arguments were:

·        A military strike on Iran would be a violation of international law

·        The US government’s foreign policy decisions have a profound effect on us locally, including less funding for social services

·        Our military is already overextended with the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan

·        An attack on Iran would lead to severe oil shortages and further destabilization of the Middle East

·        There is an indication that the US government will try to instigate a war with Iran

·        The US Congress is not doing its job in checking the executive branch of government, so we need to do it locally

·        Thousands of civilians would die if we attack Iran

·        If we attack Iran, it would galvanize the Iranian population into support for their radical leader, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

The Council discussed the resolution, and all those present were in favor except Mike Satterfield, who said he had spoken with constituents and felt they were opposed to the resolution. Note: Brad Wisler left the meeting before the resolution was discussed. The final vote was 7-1.

Council recess: August 6-Sept. 3